CAN'T BUY A THRILL

Steely Dan got their name from a talking dildo in William Burroughs' novel "Naked Lunch". Soft Machine also got their name from Burroughs. This is their debut album, not as jazzy as later efforts. On this album they even had a 'lead vocalist' in David Palmer. I think at this point the group still played live but would soon become just a studio band. The music here doesn't sound very complex but if you really study it, it is harder to play than it seems.

"Do It Again" is now a staple of classic rock radio. One of the band's best songs. Nice mix of Wurlitzer and percussion. Electric sitar solo then an organ solo. You can play this song in one of the Guitar Hero games. Not only do you play the sitar solo but also the organ solo too! It's actually funny when you use the whammy bar during the organ part. Unlike the last song sung by Donald Fagen, "Dirty Work" has Palmer on vocals. Another highlight. The chorus is good. I like the horns after the first one. Good sax solo with organ.

"Kings" is a good song. After the chorus there is a nice melody on something(electric piano? electric sitar?). "Midnight Cruiser" has drummer Jim Hodder on vocals. Love the guitar after the choruses. Good guitar solo. "Only A Fool Would Say That" is the shortest and weakest song on the album. It's sandwiched between two of the better songs. "Reelin' In The Years" is another staple of classic rock radio. Good lyrics. Great lead guitar tone and playing. The guitar part after the second chorus is some of the best playing of the 1970s. That part comes back later. Awesome guitar solo with good rhythm section back up. The song ends with another great solo but unfortunately it gets faded out.

"Fire In The Hole" has great piano playing at the start and in the middle. Also some good twangy steel guitar. Cool chord changes in this song. "Change Of The Guard" has a great guitar solo in it. SD would go on to make better albums with great production and playing from studio musicians. This album is not the proggiest thing in the world, but it is a good debut album. 3 stars.